Never Let me Go quotes Flashcards
“We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we’ve lived through, or feel we’ve had enough time.” – Kathy
What is the significance of this quote from Never Let Me Go?
This euphemism for death (“complete”) reflects how clinical and detached the dystopian society is. Kathy’s tone suggests existential uncertainty and the universal human feeling of not having enough time. Themes: Mortality, identity, time, acceptance.
“The problem, as I see it, is that you’ve been told and not told.” – Miss Lucy
What is the significance of this quote from Never Let Me Go?
This paradox captures the central tension of the novel: the clones are technically aware of their fate but kept emotionally unprepared. The repetition emphasizes failure in communication and ethical ambiguity. Themes: Truth, education, repression, control.
“We were just pawns in a game. We didn’t have to look into our futures.” – Kathy (narrating)
What does this quote reveal about the characters’ situation?
The metaphor ‘pawns’ emphasizes the characters’ lack of agency and manipulation by authority. There’s a tragic contrast between childhood innocence and grim adult reality. Themes: Powerlessness, fate, manipulation.
“If you’re to have decent lives, you have to know who you are and what lies ahead of you.” – Miss Lucy
How does this quote link to the theme of identity?
Miss Lucy expresses the ethical need for truth. This quote highlights how identity is shaped by knowledge and understanding of one’s purpose. Contrasts with the other guardians’ ideology. Themes: Identity, control, ethical responsibility.
“We didn’t have to look into our futures. We were just excited about our new lives.” – Kathy
What is the tragic irony in this quote?
The clones are unaware of how limited and predetermined their ‘new lives’ truly are. Ishiguro critiques false hope and the illusion of freedom under oppressive systems. Themes: Naivety, fate, dystopia.
“That’s the worst thing I did.” – Tommy
Why is this quote important in relation to the gallery and his relationship with Kathy?
Tommy expresses regret for not believing in the gallery, which symbolised hope and emotional depth. It highlights the fragility of trust and the emotional costs of missed opportunities. Themes: Love, regret, hope.
“I lost Ruth, then I lost Tommy, but I won’t lose my memories of them.” – Kathy
What does this reveal about the role of memory in the novel?
Memory becomes a tool for emotional survival and a way of preserving identity and love. Kathy uses it to give her life meaning after loss. Themes: Memory, identity, love, grief.
“I keep thinking about this river somewhere, with the water moving really fast.” – Tommy
How is this quote symbolic?
The river symbolises time, transience, and inevitability. It reflects the characters being swept toward their fate, unable to resist the flow. Themes: Nature, death, acceptance, fate.
